Florida Renaissance Festival

27th Annual Florida Renaissance Festival

Every February and March, the northwest corner of Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach transforms from a simple nature park into a grand and whimsical, immersive world inspired by the Renaissance era. A castle entrance beckons guests to enter through its arches; a king and queen perch on their thrones to watch knights joust; children thrust lances through a golden ring while riding a wooden horse down a steep greased cable called a Quintain; performers recite Shakespeare and perform daring acts of acrobatic bravery; adults learn to throw axes and watch expert demonstrations, such as an archer who can nail a target with his handmade wooden bow from a spectacular distance. At this celebration, hungry festivalgoers sink their jaws into juicy turkey thighs and guzzle cold beer while admiring the elaborate costumes of their fellow lads and ladies.

“Our festival provides people of all ages the chance to escape into an alternate universe with invigorating activities, and our growing assortment of themed weekends,” said Bobby Rodriguez, the founder and producer of the Florida Renaissance Festival.

The Florida Renaissance Festival attracts more than 100,000 annual attendees and this year will be celebrating its 27th year in existence, its 20th year in Deerfield Beach. More than two million people have participated in the festival since in began.

This year over 100 artisans and 100 performers will be in attendance. Every one of the festival’s seven weekends boasts a new theme, including: Bodacious Bodices and Wenches (March 2 & 3); Swashbucklers and Sirens (March 9 & 10); Kilts and Colleens (March 16 & 17); and lastly, Magic, Witches and Wizards (March 23 & 24). Attendees are highly encouraged to wear costumes in theme.

WHEN: Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to sunset from through March 24.

WHERE: Quiet Waters Park, 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach

COST: One day adult admission is $25; Kids ages 6-11 are $12; Children under 5 are free. A season pass for all seven weekends is $112 for adults and $59 for kids. Parking is complimentary and VIP parking is available for $20. Entrance to Quiet Waters Park is $1.50 per person. Visit ren-fest.com to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets will also be available on site.